Las Vegas, quickly

I expected Las Vegas to be a quick trip - it was scheduled as such. Mostly I was going to get some warmer air and to see an old friend. Friendships are important and need to be nurtured at times. This one was feeling like a plant that was being neglected and badly in need of some fresh water. So I can't eat - who cares?

The trip out was easy enough, despite the fresh snow that was falling on my way there. I packed without much stress, which is shocking unless you consider all I took was a carry bag for an overnight trip. My niece came the day before and was a help with the dogs. We also made a trip to the store for my new $80 socks.

Yikes! You are probably thinking - $80 for a pair of socks? I figured since I am having foot issues and my ankles swelled a few times from mountain hiking combined with flying, perhaps I need some compression socks. I had no idea they made compression sport socks. To my joy, they do! My doctor wrote a script for me, and the store verified whatever they have to verify. I returned with the niece and we picked up two brand spanking new pairs of compression sport socks, courtesy of my wonderful medical coverage. I can get two pair twice a year - and I intend to do just that! My legs did not ache at all after this trip and I did not swell. I don't usually ache that much, but with my walking at a reduced volume, I had some concern. My niece is still giggling about $80 socks, I am sure!

I arrived in Las Vegas around 1:30 pm on Saturday. Orginally my friend, let's call him BT, was expected to be there at 10 am. He had to change it to much later in the day, but I wanted a walk and some fresh warm air, so I went earlier. I decided to get dropped off at the opposite end of the Strip from where I was staying so I could enjoy the walk. The crowds totally confused me for quite a while until my thoughts went to "wow, this feels like a" DING "weekend night!" It was Saturday, of course! The crowds were a bit overwhelming, but I slogged along the strip, stopping as needed. No rush.

Eventually I arrived at the hotel I would be staying in, not too far ahead of BT. I found a quiet corner (not easy to do in a large Vegas hotel on the Strip) and read for a while. I was not feeling up to any carousing. I wanted some quiet time. I might have watched a movie on my iPod, but I only managed to get two, and one came without any sound. So I read, and listened to some music. I called Cindy to whine to once I got the text message from BT that his flight would be at least 2 hours late. She gave me hell for not calling her to moan after my oral surgery, so I decided to be a good friend and make her miserable, too.

BT finally arrived, and he was hungry, of course. We found a restaurant open and he had dinner while I had one beer and two bites off a french fry. We caught up on stuff and had a nice time. I was glad I went, even for such a short trip. I slept like the dead for once - it was a nice feeling for me.

Around noon he had to go, and I found myself facing 10 hours alone on the strip and decided I wasn't good with that idea. It was a good plan when I was feeling better, but not in crowds with a sore mouth. I tried calling the airlines to change to an earlier flight, but it wasn't going well. My voice was shot and I could only whisper. I finally wandered over to the business center in the hotel, used their computer, and rebooked myself on a first class flight home at 6 pm. I felt good about that. I even checked in and printed out my boarding pass. I love technology.

I entertained myself on the Strip until I needed to cab to the airport, and had a nice flight home. I actually was fed my first "real" meal in two weeks. There was a strawberry on my plate, and I wanted it Real Bad. However, it had small seeds, and all I could do was look at it and remember Dr W saying, "Nothing with small seeds." *sigh* The chicken was good, and I even ate a little salad. Even so, I ate less than a third of the meal. I felt like I had eaten at least 6 meals.

When I got home, I weighed myself. I am down 5 lbs since the gum graft. Not a pleasant way to lose. Last night I ate a few potato chips - I think I needed the salt.

This morning I went to the dentist for a filling on the other side of my mouth. I wanted him to look at my donor and recipient sites, but I didn't say they hurt. I didn't need to - he told me to get my ass back to the periodontist because he thinks he can see bone in the gaping hole Ikeep whining about. I think I can too - and I will see Dr W tomorrow. Right before lunch time. I seriously hope I don't end up losing any teeth over this stupid injury. Or part of my jaw bone. Or have to have root canals. I am so glad my internist put me on a second antibiotic after the first ran out. My teeth and mouth on the right side were hot. Actually hot.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Meanwhile, I cannot eat on the left side of my mouth for a while due to today's large filling. I already can't eat on the right or the front. That doesn't leave me much, does it?

This will end eventually and I will be my usual healthy and happy self. I keep wondering what else can go wrong, and something does.

It snowed again, too.

I think I will go out tomorrow and get measured for a nice, fashionable bubble wrap.